In the event of an emergency, is there anything I need to bring to the Emergency Room for myself or my family member who is injured or ill?
No one knows when an emergency situation may arise, so it’s important that you prepare ahead of time in case you or a family member needs to go to the emergency room (ER). Before an emergency happens, there are several things you can to do be prepared, including:
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Contact your health insurance company to find out what hospitals and ERs are in your provider's network.
- Always keep your insurance card(s) in your wallet. Be sure to bring cash or a credit card with you as well to help you get home in the event you were taken to the hospital by ambulance.
- Make a list of all of the medications and herbal supplements you or your family members currently take, including the dose or strength of the medication and how often it is taken.
- Bring the name and telephone number of your primary care doctor and any specialists that also take care of you or your family member.
- List any known allergies,health conditions, past surgeries and family health history.
- Keep a notepad and pen with you to write down questions or medical information provided to you in the ER.
- Keep all of your medical information in a folder in an easy to find location so you can access it quickly in an emergency. If you or your child has ingested a chemical or substance, or even taken the wrong medication, be sure to bring it with you so the medical staff knows exactly what was consumed.
It's also a good idea to talk to your child's pediatrician, your primary care doctor or specialist and ask when it would be appropriate to go to the ER, especially if you already have a health condition. Your primary care doctor may also recommend that you visit an Urgent Care center if you or a family member have a common illness or infection that doesn't require emergency care. Urgent Care Centers are located in Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Queen Creek, are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., every day of the year, including holidays.
For more information, please call (480) 728-8000.
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